‘dod’ Mumbai Local Story – India’s Future (Final Part)

It was 8:53 am and the local reached Kurla. There was a mass exodus of people from the local, as most of them were working in the BKC, Bandra Kurla Complex, which was not far from this station. In came Adil, a well built up guy in his mid 30s, Adil was working in the sales function of a multinational.

“Hey Software how are you” said Adil, referring to Shanker who was a software engineer working with a bank in Fort.

It was lot of laughs around with Adil and Shanker doing a tag this time around. Jignesh said, “Well guys lets get through our discussion on national pass time (referring to Shanker with his laptop open), we just have 20 min left to reach CST”

Adil ignoring the Jignesh’s comment said “Yes Software, what are your findings, I am excited to share my views”.

By now the people around have also stopped their regular chit chat and were focusing on what Shanker had to state.

Shanker looking up from his laptop said, “We were to find out top three areas where new government need to focus so that India may have next five years of growth and prosperity.”

He continued, “As per my findings there are two large group within India that, if attended to may lead to rapid growth. These groups are Farmers & employable youth in India”.

Jignesh intervened, “Any numbers? or just thoughts you have?”

Shanker knew this was coming, he said,” India has over 263Mn people involved in agriculture”. He paused a bit, looking at the numbers.

Jignesh was absorbed as soon as numbers were out. he said, “I am all ears, please continue”.

Shanker continued, “With respect to youth, India is all set to become the youngest country in the world by 2020 with the median age of 29 years. There are 430Mn youngsters in India between age of 15-34 years”.

Adil added,”So if we have policies that could take care of people involved in farming, create opportunities to skill the youth and have employment opportunities. We would have given booster to nearly half of India’s population, which shall add to growth.”

Jignesh added, “Wow thats amazing. I think, to create employment, there should be proper impetus on infrastructure & health care services. This way the growth shall plough back social benefit as well.”

Uncle sitting at the seat, said “Bhai, why don’t you guys slow down a bit and relay it again for benefit of all.”

Shanker, now closing his laptop said,” Yes! indeed it is so apparent. three points that new Government should have as their top priority :

– Policies for boosting agricultural, hmm…something like a “next green revolution” for people in agriculture.

Adil adjusting his shirt, added,” third point needs to be, to have policies to create innovation and foster entrepreneurship. This would create self fueling employment opportunities.”

People around clapped at the conclusion. Jignesh along with others was beaming too. Taking the opportunity, Shanker said, “Looks like Jignesh has got a clue on which sectors to invest in next five years.”

Jignesh winked and said, “Yes of course, I hit lot of opportunities while traveling in this Mumbai Local.”

There was a loud laugh and people were all happy to have reached the conclusion as the train arrived at the final destination, Mumbai CST. The three friends went out together followed by others.

Every one alighted and compartment was empty but all who were part of discussion, they were filled with hope & clarity of thought about their nation.

Hope their “hope” sees light of day.

Mumbai local, with a loud hooter, again moved to ply on the same route.